Pocono News Section

Chief: Carbondale Fire Appears Suspicious

Chief: Carbondale Fire Appears Suspicious - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 04:09AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday May 12 2010
0/ 5 rating

CARBONDALE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - A state police fire marshal is still looking for the exact cause of a blaze that destroyed two buildings in Lackawanna County.

The fire broke out around 10:00 PM Tuesday night on River Street in Carbondale. Carbondale fire chief Tom Brennan says the blaze appears suspicious pending the investigation.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries as crews battled the flames.

Connor Jefcoat lives right next to the two buildings that burned. His home sustained only melted siding and broken windows.

"The flames were like leaping! The wind was blowing north-to-south, which was blowing it back towards my house and I really thought I was gonna lose my house," Jefcoat said.

During the height of the blaze, thick smoke engulfed Carbondale. The flames could be seen from blocks away.

"It was amazing because they were pouring, it seemed like thousands of gallons of water to just parts of the house, then it leaped over to the next door house," neighbor Sam Wallace said.

Fire chief Tom Brennan believes the fire is suspicious for several reasons. He says police have responded to reports of kids breaking into the homes over the last year.

"There was no utilities and they've been vacant for a good four or five years," Brennan said. "They were gonna be demolished in the near future."

Joe Calandi owns a business right across the street from the fire scene. He's nervous about a possible arsonist.

"Being that it has been empty for so long, that would be my only concern, you know?" Calandi said. "They're all ending up the same way as this one when they're empty for so long."

As for Connor Jefcoat, he also thinks the fire is suspicious. He says his dog was acting wierd right before the flames broke out."

The Carbondale fire chief says investigators will be back on the scene Thursday morning.